Beneficiary crackdown plans won’t resolve worsening child poverty statistics. Salvation Army policy analyst Ana Ika (pictured) says the Government’s approach is misguided. “In theory, it sounds like it’ll work, but it’s a simple solution for a complex issue” she says. But sanctioning beneficiaries to push them into employment will not resolve our worsening child poverty Read more
In the midst of the country’s escalating cost-of-living crisis, the Salvation Army’s State of the Nation 2024 report spotlights the growing socio-economic challenges confronting New Zealanders. The report, Ngā Tukunga Iho – The Things We Inherit, offers an annual assessment of the country’s social progress – this year especially – children and youth housing crime Read more
Child poverty must be at the top of the incoming Government’s agenda, says the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG). It has written an open letter and launched a petition, demanding a meeting with incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon before Christmas. CPAGs health spokesperson and former paediatrician Professor Ines Asher says they’re calling for the meeting Read more
On Monday the Salvation Army opened its first medical centre in New Zealand. They hope to meet the medical and social needs of their clients in a one-stop shop. The Sallies are well-known for their op shops, their food banks and their social care – so why not health care? “Particularly health care that treats Read more
Social pressures in New Zealand are rising, according to the Salvation Army’s “State of the Nation 2023″ report. These pressures are hitting people from several directions. The report points to the escalating cost of living, increased household debt, lack of affordable housing and worsening education outcomes. It notes ever more young people are reporting psychological Read more
The Salvation Army Oasis is describing harmful gambling as ‘the hidden addiction’ in its Gambling Harm Awareness Week campaign that runs from 5 to 11 September. “People experiencing harm from gambling often feel ashamed and stigmatised, and try to hide their situation, making it even less visible to others,” says Lisa Campbell, national operations manager Read more
The Salvation Army is calling on the Government to impose rent freezes, among other measures, to help those most in need as demand for food and housing support skyrockets. Since lockdown began at 11:59pm on August 17, there has been an 84 percent increase in demand for emergency food parcels, with the rising need concentrated Read more
Small town New Zealand is suffering. The scarcity of mental health facilities, huge increases in house prices and a lack of infrastructure spending are taking the shine off living in small town New Zealand, the Salvation Army is reporting. The Army’s fourth State of Our Communities Report focuses on Invercargill, Carterton and Tokoroa; three very Read more
New legislation could see parents prosecuted for preventing their children having hormone treatment. It’s understood both criminal and civil offences will be introduced. Although the details are not yet clear, Justice Minister Kris Faafoi has signalled his desire to pass the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill before February next year. The bill responds to Labour’s Read more
Survivor groups are not hopeful that the Royal Commission into the Abuse in Care will bring around change in churches. A spokesperson for the Network of Survivors of Abuse in Faith-Based Institutions, Liz Tonks, told RNZ that “victim-survivors were not hopeful because their experiences of churches is they have not been able to trust them Read more